Common Core State StandardL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.

News Video for: 01/29/2018

The Oceans Are Filled With Plastic, And The Problem Might Get Worse

The plastic that finds its way into our oceans seems to be sickening the world’s coral reefs and threatening their rich marine life. If nothing is done, there will likely be a lot more of it in the near future. Scientists think there's currently about 17 billion pounds of plastic dumped into our oceans each year. And if projected growth continues, then the oceans could contain more plastic than fish — at least by weight — by 2050.

Class discussion: How much of the food you eat and the beverages you drink are packaged in disposable plastic containers? How many of goods you use are made of plastic? How much plastic is used in cars and electronics? What percentage of plastic waste is actually recycled? What percentage of plastic waste ends up in the oceans? Besides damaging habitats, does plastic waste enter the food chain? Could our own food contain traces of the plastic we throw away?